Number of delayed, cancelled flights decline

HÀ NỘI – The number of delayed and cancelled flights decreased in the first quarter of 2017, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).

CAAV’s statistics revealed that low-cost carrier Jetstar Pacific had the highest rate of both delayed and cancelled flights. Some 2,379 out of 8,542 flights of the carrier were delayed, or 27.9 per cent of the total, and 174 flights were cancelled.

It was followed by budget carrier VietJetAir with 2,337 out of 19,015 flights, or 12.3 per cent of the total, and national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines with 2,187 out of 25,494 flights getting delayed, or 8.6 per cent of the total.

CAAV attributed the delays and cancellations to unpunctuality of these flights, equipment and services at airports, flight operations and weather.

The aviation sector has posted two-digit growth rate over the past years, however, investment in infrastructure has failed to keep up with the pace.

During the six days of the lunar New Year festival from January 26 to 31 (or the 29th day of the last lunar month to the fourth day of the first lunar month), Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport – the busiest airport in Việt Nam – welcomed 4,208 out of 4,781 flights operated nationwide.

It meant that the airport operated an average of 700 flights per day with only two airstrips. Overloading was the main reason for air traffic congestion. - VNS